I am looking for advice on which boat would be best for Barefooting from the boom and wakeboarding. I am a novice Wakeboarder but my wife is a expert Barefooter.

ncsone

04-30-2012, 08:36 PM

This is just my $.02, but I have had both boats. My thought is that the 205 is far better than a 197 for wake boarding and has more room for additional ballast. As for bare footing, it is pretty close between the two. I would say the 197 is better for the driver (it tracks better), but other than that they are probably about the same for footing.

madcityskier

04-30-2012, 08:40 PM

What year is the 205? Can make a bit of a difference. I've been behind a 1998 205, and a 197. Never been behind an older 205, which is supposed to have a better slalom/barefoot wake than the 98. In my experience the 205 would have beefier wakes for boarding, while the 197 would have lower wakes and a flatter table at barefoot speed. Really, either should be a great compromise boat. I would tend toward the 197 as I would favor the event that would be at greater risk of significant injury. Get some fat sacks and fat friends and it'll be more than adequate for recreational boarding.

93ProStar205

04-30-2012, 08:52 PM

Go for a 205 with an upgraded engine option. Had a 97 lt1 and the power/hole shot versus my 93 with the 351 was significantly better. +45 HP and Efi is a big deal.

east tx skier

04-30-2012, 08:59 PM

If it's the second generation 205, that's probably going to be a better wakeboard wake (original xstar hull).

I think my 2003 197 has more spray when barefooting off the boom than my 1993 205. 205 also had higher top end for long line. I would have to say ballast for ballast the 205 was better for wakeboarding too